The first thing that I did was get rid of my weekly grocery list - now I'm using an app on my iPhone called ZipList. It's a digital way to write your grocery list and it will even organize it by the store that you shop in - so you can get through the store as quickly as possible! The best part is that the app can sync across multiple devices, so I can create a grocery list on my phone and within moments my husband has my grocery list. Now he can pick up items while he's out and I can even add to the list while he's already shopping. So cool!
The next step was to get rid of paper napkins. I headed out to Target where I picked up a few packages of cloth napkins. I stashed them in a basket on the countertop, so they are easily in reach. My advice... buy dark colored ones rather than white. I have to soak the white ones in oxygen bleach to get the stains out. The dark colored ones look great with just a wash. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this change. I thought it would be a huge hassle to have more laundry, but it's really not much at all. Definitely worth it.
The last step was to get rid of paper towels for wiping up spills and such. I bought a bunch of bar towels and raided Logan's old burp cloths for this one. I have a stash sitting on top of my dryer in the utility room (just off the kitchen) so I can grab them as I need them. Again, I thought the extra laundry was going to be a pain, but I haven't noticed the increase at all. And again, I have to note that the dark colored cloths are easier to get the stains out of - not that it really matters if my rags are stained up, but whatever.
And there you have it - my paperless kitchen. I wonder how many trees we'll be able to save? And despite the increase in laundry I know from reading that we're saving tons of water! Awesome. Give it a try. Go paperless. Save the planet. You'll feel really good about it. I promise.
Great idea, every little bit helps. I still remember in the old days using cloth napkins.
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